excitación
“excitación” means “excitement” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
excitement
Also: agitation
📝 In Action
Había una gran excitación en el estadio antes de que empezara el partido.
B1There was great excitement in the stadium before the match started.
El niño no podía dormir por la excitación del viaje.
B1The boy couldn't sleep because of the excitement of the trip.
Sus gritos mostraban un estado de fuerte excitación nerviosa.
B2Her shouts showed a state of strong nervous agitation.
arousal
Also: stimulation
📝 In Action
La excitación sexual es una respuesta biológica natural.
B2Sexual arousal is a natural biological response.
Ciertos olores pueden producir excitación.
B2Certain smells can produce stimulation.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: excitación
Question 1 of 3
If you want to say you are happy and looking forward to a party, which word is better?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'excitatio', which means to call forth or rouse. It shares the same root as the English word 'excite'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'excitación' a 'bad word' in Spanish?
No, it's not a bad word, but it is a 'false friend'. While it means 'excitement,' it very often carries a physical or sexual connotation that the English word doesn't always have. Use it carefully in social settings!
How do I say 'I'm excited' without sounding weird?
Use 'Estoy emocionado' or 'Me hace mucha ilusión'. These phrases capture the positive 'can't wait' feeling perfectly.
Can I use it to describe a crowd at a soccer game?
Yes! In the context of sports or large groups, 'Había mucha excitación' describes the high-energy, buzzing atmosphere correctly.